The committee said it was issuing its recommendation following the accident to U.S. Olympian Courtney King-Dye in which she sustained serious head injuries in a schooling fall in Florida almost four months ago.

“The FEI Dressage Committee strongly recommends that all riders should wear properly fastened safety helmets when training and in pre-competition warm-ups at all international dressage shows,” the statement said.

“Riders still have the choice of wearing protective headgear in the competition arena.”